Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a management option for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: An integrative review was conducted, searching for articles in the PubMed, SciELO, and MEDLINE databases using the terms “Hyperbaric Oxygenation” and “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Primary articles published between 2009 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish and available online were included. The analysis focused on the characterization of samples and the results obtained. Results: The review demonstrated that HBOT may contribute to improved cerebral perfusion and reduced core symptoms of ASD. Studies indicated significant improvements in social skills, communication, and behavior, with positive results on autism assessment scales. However, the methodological heterogeneity and variability in the analyzed populations highlight the need for further investigations. Considerations: HBOT emerges as a promising intervention for managing ASD, showing encouraging results. However, the limitations of the studies, including the lack of rigorous control groups, emphasize the importance of randomized clinical trials to elucidate its true efficacy and potential to improve the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum.
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